Here we are again. Another offseason, another Aaron Rodgers hostage situation. For the second time in three years, the NFL world is at a standstill, waiting for the four-time MVP to decide whether he wants to keep playing, and if so, where. The Steelers seem to be the obvious choice, but Rodgers—true to form—hasn’t given any definitive answer. And at this point, it’s fair to ask: Why are we still treating this like a seismic event?

Rodgers, for all his accolades, is 41 years old. His best football is behind him, and while he played admirably in 2024 despite being surrounded by a disappointing Jets team, his MVP seasons are in the rearview mirror. Even in his prime, with stacked rosters in Green Bay, he managed just one Super Bowl appearance – 14 years ago. And yet, somehow, we’re still waiting for his grand decision like this is LeBron’s “The Decision” in 2010, Michael Jordan coming out of retirement, or Shohei Ohtani’s free agency sweepstakes. It’s none of those things. This is an aging quarterback with one Achilles tendon still holding the league hostage.

The Steelers? Really?

The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be the frontrunner if Rodgers plays in 2025. But does that even make sense? Mike Tomlin is one of the most no-nonsense head coaches in football. Rodgers has made a career out of doing things on his own terms—whether it’s skipping training camp, pushing back against offensive schemes, or making headlines for non-football reasons. That doesn’t exactly seem like a fit for a franchise that thrives on structure and accountability.

And then there’s Arthur Smith, Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator. He’s known for innovative, run-heavy, play-action-based schemes—which is not exactly Rodgers’ preferred style. At this stage of his career, does anyone believe he’s going to suddenly embrace an offense that takes the ball out of his hands more often? Pittsburgh just landed DK Metcalf to bolster its receiving corps, but even with added firepower, Rodgers would be stepping into an entirely different offensive environment.

Rodgers’ Last Stand?

If Rodgers plays in 2025, the reality is that this is likely his last stop. It’s Steelers or retirement—there are no other realistic suitors left. The Jets, despite giving up a fortune for him, have moved on to the next chapter. No other team is willing to bring in a 41-year-old quarterback with a massive personality, injury concerns, and a history of playoff shortcomings.

So, again, why are we waiting? Why is the NFL treating this as a blockbuster move when, at best, it’s a short-term rental for a team that hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016? The reality is that Rodgers is no longer the game-changing force he once was. He’s not Patrick Mahomes, he’s not Josh Allen, and he’s certainly not Tom Brady in his 40s.

Enough With the Drama

Maybe Rodgers still has a little left in the tank. Maybe he lands in Pittsburgh and has one last great season. But this isn’t an earth-shattering decision. This isn’t something that should have the entire football world holding its breath. Rodgers isn’t the prize he once was—and it’s time we all stop pretending otherwise.